biting

1 of 2

adjective

bit·​ing ˈbī-tiŋ How to pronounce biting (audio)
Synonyms of bitingnext
: having the power to bite
a biting wind
especially : able to grip and impress deeply
a biting wit
bitingly
ˈbī-tiŋ-lē How to pronounce biting (audio)
adverb

biting

2 of 2

present participle of bite entry 1

Synonyms of biting

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Adjective

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Examples of biting in a Sentence

Adjective a biting wind that only the toughest football fans were willing to endure the biting comments by the pundits about the government's inaction
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The pacing is more frenetic, the narration more biting, the flashbacks more jarring, and the comedowns much harsher. — Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Vanity Fair, 13 July 2026 Described as a biting political thriller in the tradition of Wild in the Streets and V for Vendetta, The Hunted is set in a dystopian America where trans people are brutalized and erased to the margins of society. — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 20 June 2026 So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 That raises concerns that in certain situations, the repellent may even begin to attract some biting insects. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for biting

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of biting was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing biting

Rhymes for biting

See All Rhymes for biting

Browse Nearby Words

Bithynian
biting
biting crowfoot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Biting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biting. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

biting

adjective
bit·​ing ˈbīt-iŋ How to pronounce biting (audio)
: causing bodily or mental distress : sharp, cutting
biting wit
a biting cold
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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